Cub Foods will play host to a Midwest qualifying event this weekend for the 2009 Nathan's Famous Hot Dog-Eating Contest. The 13 contestants included three Cub customers alongside 10 of “some of the nation’s best competitive eaters.” Whoever crams the most hot dogs down in 10 minutes will advance to the Fourth of July International Hot Dog-Eating Contest in Coney Island, NY.

Besides the main eating event, the day will consist of family-friendly activities such as condiment finger painting and hot dog bean bag toss for the kids, a kids’ “Neatest Eat” contest, and Nathan’s hot dogs and root beer float stations.

Former Minnesota Twins catcher Tim Laudner will also be on hand to sign autographs.

In 2008, the 93rd annual contest came down to an eat-off between Takeru “Tsunami” Kobayashi and defending champion Joey Chestnut. The two competitors were tied at 59 hot dogs and buns at the end of the 10-minute contest. To settle the contest, Major League Eating official contest organizers held an overtime round. Chestnut and Kobayashi were each given a plate of five hot dogs and buns. The first one to finish his plate would win the contest. Chestnut finished his plate in 50 seconds, 7 seconds before Kobayashi.

The Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog-Eating Contest has been held each year since 1916.